Access to Haywire Bay will be closed for approximately two weeks in early May to replace an old, deteriorating wooden bridge structure due to an urgent risk that deleterious substances will be deposited into a fish-bearing stream.
A metal deck bridge, such as those used by forestry companies, was placed over the wooden structure about 10 years ago but it was not installed properly, according to Powell River Regional District asset management and strategic initiatives manager Mike Wall.
The goal is to start physical work on removing the wood parts by the end of April, according to Wall.
“On April 30, we're hoping to have materials on their way to the site,” said Wall. “Then the physical work would begin.”
The upgrade work will close the bridge on the road to Haywire Bay Regional Park for approximately two weeks, weather permitting, according to Wall. He said there is a limited window to complete the removal of the failing infrastructure and properly install the metal-span bridge to mitigate any risk to fish.
“On top of the old infrastructure, which was wood, there was a cover of gravel for that deck and geo-fabric to hold that gravel,” said Wall. “As that wooden structure fails there's a significant risk of gravel getting dumped into the creek, which could have negative effects on fish.”
The project cost is approximately $80,000.
Wall said the plan calls for the work to be completed before the opening of the regional park on the May long weekend.
While closed to vehicular traffic, measures will be taken so hikers on the Sunshine Coast Trail will be able to cross the stream via an alternate path.
“It will be well marked at the site and the site workers will also be able to provide directions,” said Wall.
Hikers are advised to use caution around the project area.
Updates on the progress of the work and details on when the park will reopen will be posted on the regional district website.
